DE112019002246T5 - SOCKET ARRANGEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

A socket assembly (100) for use with hinge members in a motor vehicle, the socket assembly comprising: an outer housing (114); an inner member (130) having a hemispherical portion (132); and a bushing (120) comprising a plurality of segments (122a, 122b) of resilient material disposed between the outer housing (114) and the inner member (130) and defining a hemispherical cavity for receiving the hemispherical portion; the outer housing (114) having a first housing section (116) having a first engagement formation and a second housing section (140) having a second engagement formation, said first and second engagement formations being adapted to be engaged with each other to to secure said housing sections and to hold the sleeve (120) and at least the hemispherical portion (132) of the inner member (130) within the outer housing (114). A method of manufacturing the bushing assembly is also disclosed which includes prestressing the bushing, which is preferably made of polyurethane.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a socket assembly for motor vehicles, particularly, although not exclusively, to socket assemblies used in articulation members used in steering or suspension systems for heavy vehicles, whether for on-road or off-road use. The improved bushing arrangement may be particularly useful as a torque arm bushing or a spring eye bushing arrangement, although the invention need not be limited to this particular type of use. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the socket assembly.

BACKGROUND

One application of a bushing assembly is as part of a torque rod or arm. The arm has an outer casing at one end or at each end as desired. A socket is inserted into the housing. The sleeve assembly includes resilient material that extends around a central portion. The central part can be a hollow cylinder (also referred to as a sleeve) or a solid part such as an expansion bracket, a tapered pin, a central ball or a combination of these parts. Jack assemblies have many other uses as well. Another application is as part of a spring eye socket, the eye being formed by a hollow cylinder for receiving a bolt or pin. Another application for bushing arrangements is in tie rod ends of steering systems, which are also referred to as "ball joints".

The term "bushing arrangement" is intended to include an arrangement that includes a central part (e.g. inner sleeve made of steel, expansion bracket, tapered pin, center ball, etc.), elastic material and an outer housing that can be a smooth outer cylinder (e.g. for a spring eye bushing), but it can also include part of a torque rod (eg the “eye” part of the torque rod), a tie rod or the like. In other words, the bushing assembly may comprise a separate piece (e.g., a spring eye bushing) that can be inserted into a spring eye or other type of eye rather than where the outer housing is part of a torque rod, tie rod, or other element.

1A illustrates the socket arrangement 10 of the prior art, here in the form of a tie rod end with an outer housing 12th , a tie rod pin 14th protruding from one side of the housing and an end cap 16 with grease nipple connection 18th , which is attached to a side of the housing opposite the pin. Internal components of a similar socket assembly 10 ' are in 1B Shown partially disassembled, the components having a nylon support ring 20th with lubrication lines 22nd for lubricating a ball head 15th of the cone 14 ' , a biasing element in the form of a spiral spring 24 and an end cap 16 'that holds the internal components against a ball head of the trunnion 14 ' holds. The end cap is for press fitting into the side of the outer housing opposite the pin 12 ' configured. It's a dust cover 26th around the tenon 14 ' and over an opening in the housing 12 ' provided through which an opposite threaded end of the pin carrying nut 28 protrudes.

A grease nipple and associated internal galleries are typically provided for proper lubrication of the known metal-to-metal contact bushing arrangement. Another disadvantage of the socket arrangement is that the service life of the socket arrangement can be quite limited, in particular when used in heavy transport vehicles or in off-road applications.

In situations of inadequate lubrication, tie rod ends have been found to have a "hammer effect" that can loosen lock nut 28, shear securing devices such as a split pin, and / or cause end cap 18 to loosen from the housing, resulting in failure of the steering system.

Another disadvantage with alternative known socket assemblies, such as expanding pins, which use resilient material in the form of rubber-based compounds, is the very expensive equipment required for manufacturing the socket assembly and, in particular, for injecting the rubber-based compounds between the outer housing and a Inner sleeve is required. An example of a bonded elastomeric rubber bushing is shown in FIG EP 1096045 B1 Rod End Isolator disclosed by SKF USA, INC.

Another prior art socket arrangement for use with a torque bar, stabilizer bar, or steering arm is disclosed in International Publication No. WO 94/08407 A (Taylor) shown. 7th shows a bushing arrangement 110 with an inner fastening element 111 and an unbound, elastic bushing consisting of two bushing parts 112, 113 with a ring configuration, which are inserted in an inner "eye" 118 of the outer housing or "rod end" 117 by a combination of washers 113, 114 and associated Circlip 116 or flange 119 are held. The applicant has found that under severe operating conditions, such as can occur in off-road, mining, competition or military vehicles, the inner fastening element is generally exposed to rapid and repeated, large-area deflection relative to the housing 117. For example, the bike path on some all-terrain mining machines is approximately 0.5 meters, and terrain conditions often result in continuous loading of movable bushing assemblies, even when the vehicle is stationary. Eventually, such deflection often leads to distortion or even breakage of the retaining rings, causing the inner member 111 to become detached from the housing. Such detachment of internal elements from the socket can lead to failure of the suspension or steering, resulting in a loss of control which can be dangerous for vehicle occupants and / or for oncoming traffic.

It would be advantageous if it were possible to manufacture a sleeve assembly of a particular design that would allow the sleeve assembly to be manufactured without conventional, expensive equipment and / or that would be more suitable for repair by replacing consumable parts rather than a full replacement . It would also be beneficial if the bushing assembly had a longer life when used with heavy machinery such as semi-trailers and off-road vehicles for recreational, mining, or military applications, including in harsh operating environments. It would also be desirable to avoid, or at least minimize, maintenance requirements such as repeated lubrication and associated visual inspections.

Any reference to prior art methods, devices or documents should not be construed as evidence or admission that they are common knowledge or common knowledge in Australia or any other country.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bushing assembly for automotive articulation elements which overcomes at least one of the above disadvantages or which is a useful or commercial choice in the marketplace.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

• ein Außengehäuse mit einer ersten Gehäusesektion und einer zweiten Gehäusesektion, die an der ersten Gehäusesektion befestigt werden kann;
• ein inneres Element mit einem halbkugelförmigen Abschnitt und mindestens einem länglichen Abschnitt, der vom Außengehäuse vorsteht, wobei das innere Element relativ zum Gehäuse beweglich ist; und
• eine Buchse, die elastisches Material umfasst, das aus mehreren Segmenten gebildet und zwischen dem Außengehäuse und dem inneren Element angeordnet ist und einen halbkugelförmigen Hohlraum zur Aufnahme des halbkugelförmigen Abschnitts des inneren Elements definiert;
• wobei die erste Gehäusesektion eine erste Eingriffsformation aufweist und die zweite Gehäusesektion eine zweite Eingriffsformation aufweist,
• wobei die erste und zweite Eingriffsformation zum lösbaren Befestigen der Gehäusesektionen aneinander ausgelegt sind, um die Buchse und den halbkugelförmigen Abschnitt des inneren Elements innerhalb des Außengehäuses zu halten.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a socket assembly for use with articulation members in a motor vehicle, the socket assembly comprising:

• an outer housing having a first housing section and a second housing section attachable to the first housing section;
• an inner member having a hemispherical portion and at least one elongated portion protruding from the outer housing, the inner member being movable relative to the housing; and
• a sleeve comprising resilient material formed from a plurality of segments and disposed between the outer housing and the inner member and defining a hemispherical cavity for receiving the hemispherical portion of the inner member;
• wherein the first housing section has a first engagement formation and the second housing section has a second engagement formation,
• wherein the first and second engagement formations are adapted for releasably securing the housing sections together to retain the socket and the hemispherical portion of the inner member within the outer housing.

The outer housing preferably has a hollow cylindrical configuration including a cylindrical wall and an inwardly extending radial flange portion. Suitably the radial flange portion defines an opening through which the elongated portion of the inner member protrudes. The opening can be circular or egg-shaped to allow different angular ranges of motion for the inner member. The first and / or second housing section can include at least a portion of the cylindrical wall integrated with the radial flange.

The inner member may include a post having the hemispherical portion at or at least adjacent one end thereof with an opposite end protruding from the housing. In an alternative form, the inner member may comprise a pin having a hemispherical portion between its opposite, protruding ends. Suitably the hemispherical portion is centrally located between a pair of protruding ends of the pin.

The socket segments suitably each have a generally semi-cylindrical outer surface. In one form, the socket segments include a pair of cylindrical segments. In a further form, the plurality of segments can be subdivided into both a longitudinal and a radial plane. If necessary, the socket parts can be used in a Mounting around the hemispherical portion can be spaced slightly apart to allow relative movement without significant rubbing or chafing.

Preferably, the engagement formations suitably have a plurality of surface projections and / or surface depressions and can have complementary screw thread or snap-in formations. If necessary, the engagement formations can have beveled projections or nose sections and / or depressions in the form of circumferential recess or channel sections which are designed for forced or snap-in assembly. If necessary, the engagement formations are arranged in such a way that they exert a predetermined pretensioning of the bushing segments when the outer housing sections are fastened.

• Bereitstellen eines Außengehäuses mit einer ersten und einer zweiten Gehäusesektion mit komplementären Eingriffsformationen;
• Bereitstellen eines inneren Elements mit einem halbkugelförmigen Abschnitt zum Halten innerhalb des Außengehäuses und einem länglichen Abschnitt, der vom Außengehäuse vorsteht;
• Bereitstellen einer Buchse, die elastisches Material umfasst, das in mehreren Segmenten vorgeformt ist, die einen halbkugelförmigen Hohlraum zur Aufnahme des halbkugelförmigen Abschnitts des inneren Elements definieren;
• Montieren der Segmente der Buchse um den halbkugelförmigen Abschnitt des inneren Elements; und
• Installieren der Subanordnung aus Buchse und innerem Element in einer Gehäusesektion; und
• Befestigen der ersten und zweiten Gehäusesektion aneinander durch Ineingriffbringen der jeweiligen Eingriffsformationen miteinander, um dadurch die Buchse und zumindest den halbkugelförmigen Abschnitt des inneren Elements lösbar innerhalb des Außengehäuses zu halten.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a bushing assembly for use with articulation elements in a motor vehicle, the method including the following steps:

• Providing an outer housing having a first and a second housing section with complementary engagement formations;
• Providing an inner member having a hemispherical portion for retention within the outer housing and an elongated portion protruding from the outer housing;
• Providing a sleeve comprising resilient material preformed in a plurality of segments defining a hemispherical cavity for receiving the hemispherical portion of the inner member;
• Assembling the segments of the bushing around the hemispherical portion of the inner member; and
• Installing the socket and inner member subassembly in a housing section; and
• Securing the first and second housing sections together by engaging the respective engagement formations, thereby releasably retaining the sleeve and at least the hemispherical portion of the inner member within the outer housing.

Suitably, the complementary engagement formations have a plurality of surface projections and / or surface depressions on each housing section, which are suitably arranged alternately and have screw threads or snap-in formations; and / or the securing step includes applying a predetermined axial load to end surfaces of the bushing segments.

Most suitably, the resilient material of the bushing segments includes polyurethane plastic material.

Figure list

Preferred features, embodiments, and variations of the invention can be found in the following detailed description, which will provide those skilled in the art with sufficient information to practice the invention. The detailed description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the above summary of the invention in any way.

• 1A ist eine Seitenansicht einer Buchsenanordnung des Standes der Technik;
• 1 B ist eine Explosionsansicht einer Buchsenanordnung des Standes der Technik;
• 2 ist eine Draufsicht auf eine Buchsenanordnung einer ersten, bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung, die mit Gelenkelementen in Form einer Spurstangenanordnung 100 verwendet wird;
• 3 ist eine Seitenansicht des Spurstangengelenks der in 2 gezeigten Ausgestaltung, die (in Phantomansicht) den Bewegungsbereich eines beweglichen Elements in Form eines Spurstangenzapfens 130 zeigt;
• 4 ist eine Draufsicht von unten auf das Spurstangengelenk der Ausgestaltung von 2-3;
• 5 ist ein Teilschnitt der Draufsicht auf Buchsenkomponenten, die einen Körperabschnitt des Spurstangenzapfens der Ausgestaltung von 4 umgeben, aufgenommen entlang der Linie B-B;
• 6 ist eine Endansicht der Spurstangenanordnung der in 2-3 dargestellten Ausgestaltung, einschließlich verdeckter Details des Spurstangenzapfens und der Achse C-C;
• 7 ist eine Teilschnitt-Seitenansicht des Spurstangengelenks der in 2 dargestellten Ausgestaltung, aufgenommen entlang der Linie A-A;
• 8 ist eine isometrische Teilschnittansicht von oben des Spurstangengelenks 100 der in 2-3, 6 und 7 gezeigten Ausgestaltung;
• 9 ist eine Draufsicht auf eine Endkappenkomponente der in 4 und 7 dargestellten Ausführung in Form eines Spurstangenhalters 140;
• 10 ist eine Schnittansicht des Spurstangenhalters von 9, aufgenommen entlang der Linie D-D;
• 11 ist eine Draufsicht von unten des Spurstangenhalters von 9 und 10;
• 12 ist eine Seitenschnittansicht einer Buchsenanordnung einer zweiten Ausgestaltung der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 13 ist eine weitere Seitenschnittansicht der Buchsenanordnung von 12.

In the detailed description, reference is made to a number of drawings as follows:

• 1A Figure 3 is a side view of a prior art socket assembly;
• 1 B Figure 3 is an exploded view of a prior art socket assembly;
• 2 Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a bushing arrangement of a first preferred embodiment of the invention with articulation elements in the form of a tie rod arrangement 100 is used;
• 3 FIG. 13 is a side view of the tie rod joint of FIG 2 embodiment shown, which (in phantom view) the range of motion of a movable element in the form of a tie rod pin 130 shows;
• 4th FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the tie rod joint of the embodiment of FIG 2-3 ;
• 5 FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional top plan view of bushing components forming a body portion of the tie rod journal of the embodiment of FIG 4th surrounded, taken along the line BB;
• 6th FIG. 13 is an end view of the tie rod assembly of FIG 2-3 illustrated embodiment, including hidden details of the tie rod pin and the axis CC;
• 7th FIG. 13 is a partially sectional side view of the tie rod joint of FIG 2 illustrated embodiment, taken along the line AA;
• 8th Figure 4 is a partially cutaway isometric view from above of the tie rod joint 100 the in 2-3 , 6th and 7th embodiment shown;
• 9 FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an end cap component of FIG 4th and 7th shown embodiment in the form of a tie rod holder 140 ;
• 10 FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the tie rod holder of FIG 9 taken along line DD;
• 11 FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the tie rod retainer of FIG 9 and 10 ;
• 12th Fig. 3 is a side sectional view of a socket assembly of a second embodiment of the present invention; and
• 13th FIG. 13 is another side sectional view of the socket assembly of FIG 12th .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First with reference to 2-4 and 8th There is shown a socket arrangement of a first embodiment of the present invention which is intended for use with joint elements in a motor vehicle. The bushing arrangement is here in a form for installation in a tie rod arrangement 100 for use in steering gears for heavy vehicles. The tie rod assembly has a tie rod main body 110 with an elongated shaft section 112 with external thread and a hollow outer housing section 114 suitably formed integrally with the main body. The shaft section 112 of the main body has a longitudinal axis that extends into 2 is denoted by AA. As shown in the sectional views in 7-8 best seen is the outer housing portion 114 a cylindrical wall 116 defining an inner cavity, the wall having an outer radius a, which in a particular application may be 35 mm. The hollow housing section 114 also has an inwardly extending radial flange portion at one end 118 that defines an opening.

The tie rod assembly 100 also includes a socket component 120 in the form of an elastic material, preferably made of plastic including polyurethane, which is provided in several parts. Here the socket has the shape of two semi-cylindrical socket segments 122a , 122b (collectively “122”) with a clearance d of about 1 mm, as in 5 can best be seen. An inner surface of the socket component 120 defines a hemispherical cavity 124 . The bushing segments 122 are regularly provided on radials and when they are in use as in FIG 7th shown mounted within the hollow housing section 114 arranged. The segments are configured with an inner surface so that together they have a hemispherical or spherical end portion 132 a movable inner element of the tie rod assembly, here in the form of a tie rod pin 130 , essentially surrounded. Note that the term "hemispherical" is intended to include partially or incomplete spherical shapes and not just hemispheres.

The end section 132 of the tie rod pin is retained in the outer housing while an opposite end of the pin passes through the opening through the radial flange 118 of the housing 114 is defined, protrudes outwards. The opening through the flange section, which is circular here 118 which may have other selected shapes such as an egg shape, allows an angular range of movement b of the tie rod pin from a neutral position, as in FIG 2 shown. The angular movement range b is 14 ° here, but an egg-shaped opening can, if necessary, allow up to 27 ° in a second dimension.

The tie rod pin 130 also has a conical body 134 with a fastening section 136 at the end opposite the hemispherical end portion 132 . The fastening section 136 The pin here has an external screw thread with a transverse opening 138 for receiving a nut lock (not shown) such as a split pin, a spring clip or the like. The tie rod pin 130 the configuration is generally elongated and has a longitudinal axis CC (see 6th ) normal to axis AA of the tie rod body 110 runs when the tie rod assembly 100 is in the neutral position, as in 7th shown.

The hemispherical end section 132 of the cone 130 can also have a flattened web section 133 included, which is incorporated into its circumference, for example where it is cut in the neutral position by the rod axis AA. The applicant is of the opinion that the web 133 in some applications contributes to the movable inner element 130 to impart a self-centering effect even though it is otherwise angularly movable in two (2) dimensions. A bushing component with spaced apart annular portions (as discussed below in the second embodiment) can facilitate self-centering more effectively.

A detachable bracket or housing section 140 , here in the form of an end cap with an external thread, holds the socket 120 and the hemispherical end portion 132 of the tie rod pin 130 inside the case 114 . Regarding 9 to 11 , The holder has an outer circumferential engagement formation 142 , here a screw thread on an outer surface of a substantially annular holder body 144 is provided. The holder 140 , with an average outside diameter c of about 55 mm, can thereby be brought into engagement with a complementary formation on the housing section 114 in the present embodiment on a Inner surface of the hollow housing is provided (see 4th and 7-8 ).

The holder body 144 furthermore has an intermediate disk or an annular abutment section on one side 146 (please refer 9 ) and a hexagon socket section on the opposite side 150 (please refer 11 ) on. The annular abutment section 146 is arranged so that it rests against the end faces of the bearing segments 122 and supports them. A recess 148 in the body 144 is provided within the abutment ring to allow play for the movement of the hemispherical end section 132 of the tie rod pin 130 to enable. The game recess 148 has an inner diameter e, here 37 mm, and a stress-relieving beveled inner corner f.

The frame section 150 on an opposite side of the bearing holder 140 also has another recess 152 , here for receiving a hexagonal tool (not shown), with a flat-to-flat dimension g (eg 36 mm) and an apex-to-apex dimension h (e.g. 42 mm). The hexagonal tool can be used when assembling the tie rod assembly in order to exert a predetermined axial load or compression on the end faces of the bearing segments 122 as required.

12th and 13th illustrate a socket arrangement 60 another embodiment of the invention. In this particular embodiment, the outer housing comprises 61 again two sections that can be removed from each other - with one section being considerably larger than the other section. It will be understood, however, that the sections could alternatively be the same size. In particular, the larger housing section comprises 62 In the present embodiment, one end and substantially an entire side wall of the outer housing of the socket assembly 60 . The smaller housing section 63 can be viewed as a removable bracket or as an end cap, in this configuration with an opening 77 is provided.

The big section 62 and the smaller section 63 lock into a force-fit frictional engagement with each other. Every housing section 62 , 63 has an engagement formation which interlock or interlock when the sections are compressed to the in 13th To assemble the socket arrangement shown. In the particular embodiment, the engagement formation has complementary projections and depressions on each housing section. The projections here each have a “male” or nose section 71 , 72 behind which there are depressions, here a circumferential "female" or recess section 73 , 74 . When the housing sections 62 , 63 are squeezed, the nose portion of one section moves into the recess portion of the other section and vice versa. This area may be referred to as the deform or “snap” zone 68.

The male housing sections 71 , 72 have a relatively thicker cross-section to reduce inward deformation. The female housing sections 73 , 74 have a relatively thinner cross-section, which means that most of the deformation occurs outwards. The deformation area therefore relaxes back inward again after the housing sections have intermeshed. Guide bevels are provided to support the locking mechanism. An initial gap is provided to facilitate alignment.

A rod or arm or similar element 75 can be attached to the outer side wall 62 welded or otherwise attached to it without interfering with the connection provided between other parts. This particular bushing arrangement can contain the inner elastic material, here in substantially annular parts 64 made in the manner described above with a small gap 65 can be provided.

The inner element, here a cross pin 66 with a longitudinal axis 66a , comprises a central spherical section 69 and a pair of protruding elongated portions with respective retaining holes. The central section of the sphere 69 has a flattened web portion 67 on to the function of the socket arrangement 60 to facilitate. An inner surface of the annular bushing parts 64 is hemispherical to the spherical section 69 movably record. The possible range of motion of the opposite ends of the pin element 66 is in 13th shown with the ends made of openings 77 , 78 protrude into the smaller housing section or end cap 63 or in the larger housing section 62 are provided. It will be understood that the annular socket parts 64 can be replaced by socket segments, the segments extending along the body of the pin, which is divided into longitudinal planes, as described in relation to the first embodiment of the invention.

In use, the bushing arrangement provides a reliable, low-maintenance connection between elements that is typically restricted in a first axis of movement and freely movable over a predetermined angular range in one or both of two remaining (typically orthogonal) axes, which is due to the hemispherical geometry of the mating surfaces inner element and the socket component and by the size of the housing opening is facilitated. In a preferred embodiment, the screw thread engagement formations allow a predetermined load on a segmented socket component, which is preferably made of polyurethane plastic material.

As regards manufacture, the bushing assembly can be made by forming a hollow outer housing which suitably has an inner cylindrical bore which is suitably defined by a first section with a cylindrical wall and an inwardly extending radial flange and a second housing section or end cap is. The housing sections are provided on their opposite surfaces with engagement formations such as complementary screw threads or non-positive external and internal formations in order to facilitate assembly and disassembly. The radial flange suitably defines an opening in an end wall of the outer housing and a similar opening can be provided in the second housing section or end cap if desired. The housing can consist of a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel, aluminum alloy or a similar material and be integrated with other elements to be connected or attached to them, e.g. by welding.

An inner element, preferably also made of HSLA steel, for movable mounting relative to the outer housing, can have a hemispherical or "ball" section either at one end, as in the case of a tenon, or between opposite ends in the case of a pin with mounting points the opposite ends are formed.

The socket component is preferably provided from a plurality of segments made from a preformed resilient plastic material including polyurethane. The plastic material has a hardness on the durometer scale in the range from 45 to 110, most suitably in the range from 75 to 95; selected depending on the application and the desired shock absorption. A hemispherical cavity is formed within the socket component which receives the spherical portion of the inner member. When assembled around the ball, the inner member and surrounding bushing can be inserted into the hollow outer housing. The socket parts can have a substantially annular shape (as in, for example, FIG 12-13 shown) or preferably segmented (as in 5-8 shown) have configuration. The segmented socket parts are believed to be more resistant to forces exerted axially on the socket component by the inner pin or pin member and tend to "extrude" the socket component parts from the opening in an end wall or cap.

Once inserted, the second housing section or end cap can be secured to the main housing section by securing the complementary engagement members together. If necessary, a close tolerance can be provided between the opening and the hemispherical surface of the spherical portion of the inner member, which helps to exclude direct and foreign matter from the socket. A predetermined axial load can optionally be applied through an internal intermediate washer integrated into the end cap by tightening the end cap with a hexagonal or similar tool, which is applied to the further recess on an outer surface of the end cap (see Fig 4th and 10-11 ).

In the bushing arrangement of the embodiment, the periodic application of lubricant from the outside is unnecessary and a service life of 5 to 7 years is usually achieved with normal use. The releasable screw-threaded end cap closure allows for repair in the event that a visual inspection indicates deterioration or impending failure of a portion of the socket assembly.

In accordance with the Articles of Association, the invention has been described in language which is more or less specific to structural or procedural features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "consisting of", are used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular features shown or described, since the means described herein comprise preferred forms of implementing the invention. For example, the steering tie rod assembly of the embodiment is just one example of a bushing assembly suitable for use with articulated members in a motor vehicle. Therefore, we claim the invention in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims as construed by those skilled in the art.

List of reference symbols

10, 10 '

Tie rod end

12, 12 '

Tie rod outer housing

14, 14 '

Tie rod journals

15th

Trunnion ball head

16

End cap

18th

Grease nipple connection

20th

Support ring

22nd

Lubrication lines

24

Coil spring

26th

Dust cover

60

Socket arrangement

61

Outer casing

62

larger housing section

63

smaller housing section

64

Socket component

65

Socket gap

66

inner pin element

66a

Pin axis

67

flattened web section

68

Locking zone

69

Spherical section

71

Engaging nose portion

72

Engaging nose portion

73

Engagement recess

74

Engagement recess

75

Rod / arm element

77

smaller case opening

78

larger housing opening

100

Tie rod assembly

110

Tie rod main body

112

Threaded shaft section

114

Outer housing section

116

cylindrical wall

118

radial flange section

120

Socket component

122a

first socket segment

122b

second socket segment

124

hemispherical cavity

126

not used

128

not used

130

Tie rod journals

132

hemispherical end section

133

flattened web section

134

conical spigot body

136

Fastening section

138

Transverse opening

140

Holder / housing section

142

Engagement formation

144

Holder body

146

Abutment section

148

Play recess

150

Hexagon socket section

152

further recess

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1096045 B1 [0007]
• WO 94/08407 A [0008]

Claims (19)

The claims defining the invention are as follows: A socket assembly for use with articulation members in a motor vehicle, the socket assembly comprising: an outer housing having a first housing section and a second housing section attachable to the first housing section; an inner member having a hemispherical portion and at least one elongated portion protruding from the outer housing, the inner member being movable relative to the housing; and a sleeve comprising resilient material formed from a plurality of segments and disposed between the outer housing and the inner member and defining a hemispherical cavity for receiving the hemispherical portion of the inner member; wherein the first housing section has a first engagement formation and the second housing section has a second engagement formation, said first and second engagement formations being adapted to releasably attach the housing sections together to retain the socket and the hemispherical portion of the inner member within the outer housing. Bushing arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the engagement formations on the housing sections include a plurality of surface protrusions and / or cooperating surface depressions on each housing section to withstand lateral loading. Bushing arrangement according to Claim 2 , wherein the engagement formations have complementary screw threads. Bushing arrangement according to Claim 2 , wherein the engagement formations have latching nose sections and circumferential recesses. Socket arrangement according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th , wherein the engagement formations are designed for exerting a predetermined pretensioning of the socket segments when the housing sections are fastened. Bushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bushing segments each have a cylindrical outer surface and are divided along a longitudinal plane. The socket assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the outer housing has a hollow cylindrical configuration with a cylindrical wall and an inwardly extending radial flange portion. Bushing arrangement according to Claim 7 wherein the radial flange portion defines an opening through which the elongated portion of the inner member protrudes. Bushing arrangement according to Claim 8 wherein the opening is ovoid to create different angular ranges of motion for the inner member. A socket assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inner member has a spigot with the hemispherical portion at or adjacent one end thereof. Socket arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 wherein the inner member has a pin with the hemispherical portion between its opposite protruding ends. A method of manufacturing a bushing assembly for use with articulated members in a motor vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: Providing an outer housing having first and second housing sections with complementary engagement formations for securing the housing sections to one another; Providing an inner member having a hemispherical portion for retention within the outer housing and at least one elongated portion; Providing a socket comprising resilient material in a plurality of segments which together define a hemispherical cavity for receiving the hemispherical portion of the inner member; Assembling the plurality of segments of the socket around the hemispherical portion of the inner member; Installing the socket and inner member subassembly in a housing section; and Securing the first and second housing sections together by engaging the engagement formations, thereby releasably retaining the sleeve and the hemispherical portion of the inner member within the outer housing. Procedure according to Claim 12 wherein the step of providing the outer housing includes providing complementary engagement formations including a plurality of surface protrusions and / or cooperating surface depressions on each said housing section. Procedure according to Claim 13 wherein providing complementary engagement formations includes providing screw threads on the housing sections. Procedure according to Claim 13 wherein the provision of complementary engagement formations includes the provision of latching nose portions and circumferential recesses on the housing sections. Method according to one of the Claims 12 to 16 wherein the securing step further includes applying a predetermined axial load to the end faces of the bushing segments. Socket arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 or method according to one of the Claims 12 to 16 wherein the elastic material of the bushing segments comprises polyurethane plastic material. Bushing arrangement or method according to Claim 17 wherein the elastic material has a hardness in the range of 75 to 95 on the durometer scale.

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